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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 37:20 "Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/37-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_37_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 37:20 - Joseph Sold by His Brothers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. 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Then we&#8217ll see what comes of his dreams.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/37.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father, ‘A wild animal has eaten him.’ Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!” <a href="/esv/genesis/37.htm">English Standard Version</a> Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.” <a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” <a href="/kjv/genesis/37.htm">King James Bible</a> Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/37.htm">New King James Version</a> Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now then, come and let’s kill him, and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, ‘A vicious animal devoured him.’ Then we will see what will become of his dreams!” <a href="/nasb/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now then, come and let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, &#8216A wild beast devoured him.&#8217 Then let us see what will become of his dreams!&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Now then, come and let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, ‘A wild beast devoured him.’ Then let us see what will become of his dreams!” <a href="/lsb/genesis/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So now, come and let us kill him and cast him into one of the pits; and we will say, ‘A wild beast devoured him.’ Then let us see what will become of his dreams!” <a href="/amp/genesis/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now then, come and let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits (cisterns, underground water storage); then we will say [to our father], ‘A wild animal killed and devoured him’; and we shall see what will become of his dreams!” <a href="/csb/genesis/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So now, come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal ate him. Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams! ” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Come on, let&#8217s kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal ate him. Then we&#8217ll see what becomes of his dreams!&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/37.htm">American Standard Version</a> Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, An evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. <a href="/cev/genesis/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Let's kill him and throw him into a pit and say that some wild animal ate him. Then we'll see what happens to those dreams." <a href="/erv/genesis/37.htm">English Revised Version</a> Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, An evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. <a href="/gwt/genesis/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Let's kill him, throw him into one of the cisterns, and say that a wild animal has eaten him. Then we'll see what happens to his dreams." <a href="/gnt/genesis/37.htm">Good News Translation</a> Come on now, let's kill him and throw his body into one of the dry wells. We can say that a wild animal killed him. Then we will see what becomes of his dreams." <a href="/isv/genesis/37.htm">International Standard Version</a> Come on! Let's kill him and toss him into one of the cisterns. Then we'll report that some wild animal devoured him and wait to see what becomes of his dreams!" <a href="/msb/genesis/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!? <a href="/net/genesis/37.htm">NET Bible</a> Come now, let's kill him, throw him into one of the cisterns, and then say that a wild animal ate him. Then we'll see how his dreams turn out!" <a href="/nheb/genesis/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Come now, and let?s kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns, and we will say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we will see what will become of his dreams." <a href="/wbt/genesis/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit; and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him; and we shall see what will become of his dreams. <a href="/web/genesis/37.htm">World English Bible</a> Come now therefore, and let’s kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, ‘An evil animal has devoured him.’ We will see what will become of his dreams.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and now, come, and we slay him, and cast him into one of the pits, and have said, An evil beast has devoured him; and we see what his dreams are.” <a href="/ylt/genesis/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and now, come, and we slay him, and cast him into one of the pits, and have said, An evil beast hath devoured him; and we see what his dreams are.' <a href="/slt/genesis/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now, come, and we will kill him, and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, An evil beast devoured him: and we shall see what will be his dreams.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Come, let us kill him, and cast him into some old pit : and we will say : Some evil beast hath devoured him: and then it shall appear what his dreams avail him : <a href="/cpdv/genesis/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Come, let us kill him and cast him into the old cistern. And let us say: ‘an evil wild beast has devoured him.’ And then it will become apparent what his dreams will do for him.” <a href="/nabre/genesis/37.htm">New American Bible</a> Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns here; we could say that a wild beast devoured him. We will see then what comes of his dreams.” <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and throw him into one of the pits; and then we will say that a wild beast has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Come, let us kill him and we will throw him into one of the pits and we will say, ‘A dangerous beast ate him’, and we will see what there is to his dream.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say: An evil beast hath devoured him; and we shall see what will become of his dreams.' <a href="/sep/genesis/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Now then come, let us kill him, and cast him into one of the pits; and we will say, An evil wild beast has devoured him; and we shall see what his dreams will be. <a href="/parallel/genesis/37-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=9473" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/37.htm">Joseph Sold by His Brothers</a> …19“Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. 20<a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">“Come</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">now,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: wə·na·har·ḡê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.h-1cp:: 3ms) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">let us kill him</a> <a href="/hebrew/7993.htm" title="7993: wə·naš·li·ḵê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.h-1cp:: 3ms) -- To throw, fling, cast. A primitive root; to throw out, down or away.">and throw him</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: bə·’a·ḥaḏ (Prep-b:: Number-msc) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">into one</a> <a href="/hebrew/953.htm" title="953: hab·bō·rō·wṯ (Art:: N-mp) -- A pit, cistern, well. From buwr; a pit hole.">of the pits.</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">We can say</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">that a vicious</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yāh (N-fs) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">animal</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ’ă·ḵā·lā·ṯə·hū (V-Qal-Perf-3fs:: 3ms) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">has devoured him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wə·nir·’eh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-1cp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">Then we shall see</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">becomes</a> <a href="/hebrew/2472.htm" title="2472: ḥă·lō·mō·ṯāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A dream. Or chalom; from chalam; a dream.">of his dreams!”</a> 21When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue Joseph from their hands. “Let us not take his life,” he said.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Matthew 21:38</a> But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ <a href="/john/11-53.htm">John 11:53</a> So from that day on they plotted to kill Him. <a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9</a> Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him <a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Matthew 27:1</a> When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. <a href="/mark/12-7.htm">Mark 12:7</a> But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ <a href="/john/19-6.htm">John 19:6</a> As soon as the chief priests and officers saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” “You take Him and crucify Him,” Pilate replied, “for I find no basis for a charge against Him.” <a href="/acts/2-23.htm">Acts 2:23</a> He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. <a href="/matthew/26-4.htm">Matthew 26:4</a> and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. <a href="/john/7-1.htm">John 7:1</a> After this, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee. He did not want to travel in Judea, because the Jews there were trying to kill Him. <a href="/acts/5-33.htm">Acts 5:33</a> When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved to put the apostles to death. <a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Psalm 37:12</a> The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, <a href="/jeremiah/11-19.htm">Jeremiah 11:19</a> For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.” <a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1</a> Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, <a href="/1_kings/21-20.htm">1 Kings 21:20</a> When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD. <a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1-3</a> Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast has devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.and let.<a href="/psalms/64-5.htm">Psalm 64:5</a> They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?<a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Proverbs 1:11,12,16</a> If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: … <a href="/proverbs/6-17.htm">Proverbs 6:17</a> A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,Some.<a href="/1_kings/13-24.htm">1 Kings 13:24</a> And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase.<a href="/2_kings/2-24.htm">2 Kings 2:24</a> And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.<a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Proverbs 10:18</a> He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.and we.<a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">1 Samuel 24:20</a> And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.<a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2</a> Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.<a href="/matthew/2-2.htm">Matthew 2:2-16</a> Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/9-10.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/genesis/34-23.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/genesis/35-11.htm">Body</a> <a href="/genesis/31-51.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-3.htm">Cisterns</a> <a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/31-15.htm">Devoured</a> <a href="/genesis/37-19.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/genesis/37-2.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Ferocious</a> <a href="/genesis/26-19.htm">Holes</a> <a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/genesis/31-44.htm">Let's</a> <a href="/revelation/20-3.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/genesis/14-10.htm">Pits</a> <a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/genesis/27-40.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/genesis/34-17.htm">We'll</a> <a href="/genesis/31-39.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/genesis/38-27.htm">Body</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-11.htm">Cisterns</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Devoured</a> <a href="/genesis/40-5.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Ferocious</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Holes</a> <a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">Let's</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm">Pits</a> <a href="/genesis/37-26.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/genesis/43-4.htm">We'll</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 37</div>1. <a href="/genesis/37-1.htm">Joseph is loved by Jacob, but hated by his brothers.</a> 5. <a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">His dreams and the interpretation.</a> 12. <a href="/genesis/37-12.htm">Jacob sends him to his brothers, who counsel to slay him.</a> 21. <a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit;</a> 25. <a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">and afterwards sell him to the Ishmaelites; </a> 29. <a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">while Ruben grieves at not finding him.</a> 31. <a href="/genesis/37-31.htm">His coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, who mourns him inordinately.</a> 36. <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/37.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/37.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Come now, let us kill him This phrase reflects the deep-seated jealousy and animosity Joseph's brothers harbored against him. Joseph was favored by their father, Jacob, which fueled their resentment. This act of plotting murder highlights the severity of their hatred. In biblical context, this mirrors the story of Cain and Abel, where jealousy led to fratricide. It also foreshadows the rejection and eventual crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who was also despised by those He came to save.and throw him into one of the pits. The "pits" refer to cisterns or dry wells common in the region, used to collect rainwater. These pits were often deep and difficult to escape from, making them suitable for imprisoning someone. This act of casting Joseph into a pit symbolizes the depths of betrayal and abandonment. It prefigures Christ's descent into the grave and His subsequent resurrection, as Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt mirrors Christ's victory over death.We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. This deception planned by Joseph's brothers is significant in its attempt to cover up their sin. The use of a "vicious animal" as an excuse is ironic, as it reflects their own beastly behavior. This lie parallels the deceit of Satan, the "father of lies," and the false accusations brought against Jesus. It also underscores the theme of sin leading to further sin, as the brothers' initial jealousy spirals into a web of deceit.Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams! Joseph's dreams, which foretold his rise to prominence and his brothers bowing to him, were a source of their envy. This statement is filled with sarcasm and disbelief, as the brothers sought to thwart God's revealed plan. However, their actions inadvertently set the stage for the fulfillment of those dreams. This reflects the biblical principle that God's purposes prevail despite human opposition, as seen in <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>. Joseph's story is a type of Christ, who was also rejected and yet fulfilled God's redemptive plan through His suffering and exaltation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The favored son of Jacob, known for his dreams which foretold his future rise to prominence. His brothers' jealousy leads them to plot against him. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a> The sons of Jacob, who are envious of Joseph's favored status and his dreams, which suggest he will rule over them. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_pit.htm">The Pit</a> A cistern or dry well where Joseph's brothers plan to throw him, symbolizing betrayal and abandonment. 4. <a href="/topical/d/dothan.htm">Dothan</a> The location where Joseph's brothers conspire against him, highlighting a place of treachery. 5. <a href="/topical/d/dreams.htm">Dreams</a> Joseph's dreams are central to the account, representing God's revelation and future plans for Joseph.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/j/jealousy_and_its_consequences.htm">Jealousy and Its Consequences</a> The account of Joseph's brothers teaches us about the destructive power of jealousy and how it can lead to sinful actions. Believers are called to guard their hearts against envy and to seek contentment in God's provision. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_adversity.htm">God's Sovereignty in Adversity</a> Despite the evil intentions of Joseph's brothers, God's plan prevails. This reminds us that God can use even the most difficult circumstances for His purposes and our good. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_forgiveness.htm">The Power of Forgiveness</a> Joseph's eventual forgiveness of his brothers is a powerful example of grace and reconciliation. Christians are encouraged to forgive others as God has forgiven them. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_dreams_and_visions.htm">The Role of Dreams and Visions</a> Joseph's dreams were a form of divine revelation. While not all dreams are from God, believers should be open to how God might communicate His will through various means. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_timing.htm">Trusting God's Timing</a> Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace was marked by patience and trust in God's timing. We are reminded to wait on the Lord and trust His perfect timing in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_37.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 37</a> <a href="/q/how_is_abraham's_faith_shown_in_genesis_20.htm">How can Abraham's actions in Genesis 20 be reconciled with later biblical claims that he was a model of faith and righteousness?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_abram_call_sarai_his_sister.htm">Why did Abram claim Sarai was his sister?</a> <a href="/q/are_midianites_ishmaelites_interchangeable.htm">(Genesis 37:25-28) How plausible is it that Midianites and Ishmaelites are used interchangeably here without creating confusion about who purchased Joseph?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_joseph_rise_to_power_in_egypt.htm">How did Joseph rise to power in Egypt?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/37.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) Into some pit.--Heb., into one of the pits, that is, cisterns dug to catch and preserve the rain water. In summer they are dry, and a man thrown into one of them would have very little chance of escape, as they are not only deep, but narrow at the top. The Jewish interpreters accuse Simeon of being the prime mover in the plot, and say that this was the reason why Joseph cast him into prison (<a href="/genesis/42-24.htm" title="And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.">Genesis 42:24</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - Come now therefore, and lot us slay him, and cast him into some pit (literally, into one of the pits or cisterns in the neighborhood), and we will say (sc. to his father and ours), Some (literally, an) evil beast hath devoured him (which will account for his disappearance); and we shall see what will become of his dreams - or, what his dreams will be. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/37-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Come לְכ֣וּ (lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk now, וְעַתָּ֣ה ׀ (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time let us kill וְנַֽהַרְגֵ֗הוּ (wə·na·har·ḡê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> To smite with deadly intent him and throw וְנַשְׁלִכֵ֙הוּ֙ (wə·naš·li·ḵê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7993.htm">Strong's 7993: </a> To throw out, down, away him into one בְּאַחַ֣ד (bə·’a·ḥaḏ) Preposition-b | Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first of the pits. הַבֹּר֔וֹת (hab·bō·rō·wṯ) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_953.htm">Strong's 953: </a> A pit, cistern, well We can say וְאָמַ֕רְנוּ (wə·’ā·mar·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say that a vicious רָעָ֖ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil animal חַיָּ֥ה (ḥay·yāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life has devoured him. אֲכָלָ֑תְהוּ (’ă·ḵā·lā·ṯə·hū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat Then we shall see וְנִרְאֶ֕ה (wə·nir·’eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see what מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what becomes יִּהְי֖וּ (yih·yū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be of his dreams!” חֲלֹמֹתָֽיו׃ (ḥă·lō·mō·ṯāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2472.htm">Strong's 2472: </a> A dream <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/37-20.htm">Genesis 37:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/37-20.htm">Genesis 37:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/37-20.htm">Genesis 37:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/37-20.htm">Genesis 37:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/37-20.htm">Genesis 37:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/37-20.htm">Genesis 37:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/37-20.htm">Genesis 37:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/37-20.htm">Genesis 37:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/37-20.htm">Genesis 37:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/37-20.htm">Genesis 37:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/37-20.htm">OT Law: Genesis 37:20 Come now therefore and let's kill him (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/37-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 37:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/37-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 37:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 37:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>